Remember Chad Jackson? Wide receiver? Second-round pick of the Patriots in 2006? He was a willowy athlete with speed enhanced by a long-stride running style. Jackson flashed star potential early on, but knee problems and questions about his work ethic ultimately kept his Patriot career grounded.

Jackson spent the ’08 season in Denver but caught just one pass in four games. He was out of football in ’09. Now, the 25-year-old has stumbled upon a golden opportunity. He recently joined the Buffalo Bills, a team that has kiddy-pool depth at wide receiver.